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PRESS RELEASE : Moor Pool Heritage Trust receives £96,000 funding [February 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 9 February 2023.

£96,000 was allocated to Moor Pool Heritage Trust in Birmingham in December 2022 from the UK Community Ownership Fund.

Moor Pool Heritage Trust will purchase the Grade II listed building which is currently a snooker hall and community office and transform it into a multi-use community hub, known as completing the Moor Pool Jigsaw.

The Trust also plan to upgrade the building including installing a new entry system.

09/02/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Over £200,000 for Glór Uachtar Tíre [February 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 9 February 2023.

£204,316 was allocated to Glór Uachtar Tíre in Newry, Mourne and Down in December 2022 from the UK Community Ownership Fund.

The organisation currently lease a building from which they run a variety of classes, social support groups and community activities. The building is up for sale and the funding will enable the organisation to purchase the building so they can continue to use it for the community. Their project name is, “Teach Uidhilin”.

09/02/2023
Lee Waters – 2023 Statement on Rural Transport in Wales

The statement made by Lee Waters, the Welsh Deputy Minister for Climate Change, on 8 February 2023.

Wales’ rural communities make up around a third of our population, and are spread across all parts of the country. Providing access to sustainable, safe and reliable public transport is vital not only to achieving our climate change goals but to help people access the services, employment, cultural and education opportunities to enable them to thrive.

I was pleased to be able to host a series of round tables with local authority leaders and transport experts from across Wales at the end of last year to discuss our plans in more detail, and would like to thank them for helping to shape our approach.

We recognise that the transport needs of communities in rural Wales will be different to those in more urban areas, and it is important to work with those communities to plan the types of public transport services they will need. It can’t be a ‘one size fits all’ solution; each community has its own requirements and challenges that will impact what works best for the people that live, work and visit them.

I was heartened to see the focus on rural transport in the North Wales Transport Commission, who identified the need to prioritise schemes that demonstrate better handling of key rural-to-rural connections. It recommends that new and more sustainable travel options such as car clubs, car sharing, cargo cycles, e-scooters and e-cycles. It also suggested effective workplace travel planning should be considered, an essential step in enabling people to think and act differently about the way they travel.

Llwybr Newydd – the Wales Transport Strategy – sets out our approach to developing a series of pathways centred on topics which are of strategic importance. They cut across different modes and sectors and are designed to pull together our commitments and plans on these topics in a way that allows people to easily track the progress both we as Welsh Government are making along with our local, regional and national delivery partners.

It is vital that we seek to find sustainable public transport models which are both tailored to the needs of rural communities, but also interface with more urban transport networks so that people can travel from urban to rural areas and vice versa with as little friction as possible.

Our Rural Pathway takes a hub-and-spoke approach. It will help those in the most isolated communities better access their local village or town. From there they will have a wider range of public transport and active travel choices to travel locally or to connect them to their nearest transport interchange for longer journeys.

The development and delivery of our rural pathway is already underway. We will be submitting a proposal shortly to the UK Government’s Union Connectivity Fund to develop plans to increase capacity along the Cambrian and Heart of Wales rail lines, and in doing so increase cross-border connectivity.

Working with Sustrans, our e-move pilot has shown the potential of free medium-term e-bike and e-cargo bike loans to support local communities. We will continue to develop out long-term approach to support people to take advantage of e-bikes for local journeys across Wales, including support for them to purchase them.

The new Sherpa service in Snowdonia, which sees electric busses minimising the use of cars within the National Park, is already providing new opportunities for local residents and visitors to see Snowdonia in a new and greener way. It is an approach which we will take and look to roll out in other areas of outstanding natural beauty and national parks across Wales.

Buses are the backbone of our public transport service. They carry three times as many passengers as trains, getting people across Wales to work and school, allowing us to meet family and friends, and offering a key lifeline for people in Wales who do not have access to a car. Our Bus Reform legislation will enable us to deliver a bus system which is governed and designed to serve the public interest, not just those routes which are commercially viable.

As well as new technologies, new service models will play an important part in allowing people to access public transport in a way and at a time that best suits their needs. Our Fflecsi pilots have shown that demand-responsive travel can provide a more flexible and adaptable service, with particular success in rural communities. We will examine the findings of this pilot carefully and embed them into our rural pathway framework for regions across Wales to exploit.

Electric car clubs also offer a new way of looking at car usage; both for those who want to use their car less, or may only use it some of the time, and for people who may struggle to afford the high cost of running a car. We are working in partnership with Powys County Council, Transport for Wales, and a range of partners to look at how we can increase provision of community-based car clubs.

Community transport is an important part of our transport system in Wales, supporting vulnerable people to access essential services. We will, through Transport for Wales, work with our Community Transport partners to look at ways we can best support both the people who use this vital service and those who give their time to run it.

We understand the importance of the strategic road network for rural Wales. Our roads are important assets and must be maintained. They also play a vital part in enabling modal shift to active travel and public transport. We will shortly publish the report from the independent roads review plus our position on the future of road investment to ensure that projects we fund are aligned to the delivery of our transport strategy ambitions and priorities.

Our delivery pathways also provide a framework to support the development of Regional Transport Plans, which will be developed for North, West, Mid and South East Wales by the regional Corporate Joint Committees (CJCs). It will allow each region to easily identify the different range of interventions they could make, and how they can implement them in a way that is consistent with Llwybr Newydd. These will be live frameworks, being updated as we test and develop new and innovative services and infrastructure solutions.

We are literally taking a Llwybr Newydd – a new path. The Wales Transport Strategy sets out a new way of thinking that places people and climate change at the front and centre of our transport system. This is something that we have to do; if we are going to protect the lives of our children, we need to achieve net zero by 2050. And in order to do that, we need to both change the way we travel, and rewire the system so it supports us to do this. Our rural pathway is one of many steps on the journey to achieve this.

09/02/2023
Jane Hutt – 2023 Statement on HMP Eastwood Park and Report on an Unannounced Inspection

The statement made by Jane Hutt, the Welsh Minister for Social Justice, on 8 February 2023.

Members will be aware of the report published by HM Inspectorate of Prisons following its unannounced inspection of HMP/YOI Eastwood Park, Gloucestershire.

Whilst the prison service is the responsibility of the UK Government the findings are of great concern, especially as many Welsh women in custody are held at Eastwood Park.

I have requested a meeting with the Chief Inspector and HMPPS to discuss the report as a matter of urgency. The report makes for harrowing reading and identifies substantive gaps in care, and a lack of support for distressed and vulnerable women. It is vitally important Welsh women in custody are held in safe and secure facilities, which are fit for purpose.

Following publication of the report, HM Prison and Probation Service have informed us about some of the action taken since the inspection that was carried out in October. This includes refurbishing the houseblock where many of the most shocking issues were found. In response to staffing resources additional staff have been appointed, comprising of experienced prison officers from other local prisons. A dedicated Safety Taskforce Group, to improve the outcomes for women in the prison’s care, has also been established along with newly designed care plans identifying the key needs of the individual and offering bespoke care.

I am aware of the continuous journey the prison is undertaking to improve the care for women in its custody. The Counsel General and I visited HMP Eastwood Park on the 19 January and had concerns following feedback raised, including lack of access to education. I am aware that the Equality and Social Justice committee has raised shortage of staff and similar concerns through its Senedd inquiry on the experiences of women in the criminal justice system. We will continue to seek regular updates on action to address the identified issues and

The findings underline the importance of diverting women away from custody wherever possible. The Women’s Justice Blueprint, which was developed jointly by the Welsh Government, HMPPS and Policing in Wales, supports initiatives such as the Women’s Pathfinder diversion scheme and engagement work with magistrates to help ensure women are not faced with unnecessary and hugely disruptive prison sentences for minor offences.

In my recent visit I saw first-hand the value of some of the Blueprint initiatives referenced positively in the HMIP report, including the Visiting Mum Scheme, which helps children to visit parents in custody, and the important role played by the Independent Domestic Violence Advisor for Welsh women at Eastwood Park.

There is much more to be done to improve outcomes for women in contact with the justice system. As justice remains at present a reserved matter, we will continue in our commitment to reducing crime and reoffending to create a better Wales for all under the current system, alongside work to progress the case for the devolution of justice in Wales.

09/02/2023
Jane Hutt – 2023 Statement on the Turkish and Syrian Earthquake

The statement made by Jane Hutt, the Welsh Minister for Social Justice, on 7 February 2023.

In the early hours of 6 February 2023, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Türkiye (Turkey) and Syria. This was followed by another earthquake soon afterwards and over 60 aftershocks.

The scale of destruction is vast and details are still emerging but it is clear that a great many have lost their lives, are injured and have been displaced.

I have today sent a message of sympathy and support to the Turkish Ambassador and extend my thoughts in particular to all of those affected including Syrian and Turkish people living in Wales who have families and friends in the earthquake zone.

Our thoughts too are with the brave search and rescue teams and people from across Wales who are already offering all manner of support. The emergency response is expected to include water and sanitation, shelter and food support as well as longer-term rehabilitation and reconstruction.

09/02/2023
Eluned Morgan – 2023 Statement on Ministerial Priorities for the NHS in Wales
The statement made by Eluned Morgan, the Welsh Minister for Health and Social Services, on 7 February 2023.

The increased emergency pressures on the NHS, which have been so evident over the winter months, have been compounded by a number of factors, including concurrent surges in a range of respiratory viruses, including Covid-19, flu and scarlet fever.

But external factors, such as the ongoing consequences of Brexit, the cost-of-living crisis and the war in Ukraine, are all also impacting our health and care services.

I have recently spoken about the need for clear priorities – this statement highlights the priorities I have set for the health service in Wales. They will help address the immediate pressures and help to build a sustainable health and care service over the next year.

It is important people play their part in helping the NHS by looking after their own health and wellbeing and taking steps to stay well. I want to continue this conversation with the public so together we can create a healthier population, reduce pressure on acute NHS services and improve outcomes in the longer term.

The current environment means the priorities need to be targeted to the challenges we face. The NHS Planning Framework 2023-26 sets out the broad requirements that will underpin NHS plans going forward – this includes the importance of quality, safety, prevention and good health outcomes at the heart of the NHS in Wales.

We must continue to focus on population health and prevention as the route to better health and wellbeing and to sustainability in the longer term. Reducing inequity and improving the quality, safety and experience of those in need of health services must always be a driving force in service planning and delivery. Delivering efficiently, effectively, and optimising service delivery is how the improvements must be embedded in the DNA of the NHS in Wales.

It is crucial the NHS focuses on these priorities so resources and capacity can be used to make a real difference to people throughout Wales.

Members will be very well aware that frailty is driving demand for healthcare, particularly urgent emergency care, and social care. Once clinical interventions are complete, people should be able to return to the community, and services must be available in an integrated way to facilitate that. That’s why in this calendar year I am prioritising work to increase the number of healthy days at home for people experiencing frailty.

This must be an equal partnership between the NHS and social care organisations, and be really focussed on people receiving a consistent standard of community care across Wales. The approach, backed up by improved data collection will provide a better basis for focused support. In developing a plan for this work with organisations and other key partners, the aim is to have regions and localities working towards the national service specification and workforce model well ahead of next Winter, and for there to be means in place for identifying relative impact.

Priorities
- A closer relationship between the NHS and local government to tackle delayed transfers of care, and an effort to move further and to deliver an integrated community care service for Wales is essential. Work is ongoing across health and social care to introduce the Pathways of Care Reporting framework for delayed transfers of care in 2023. Health boards will be expected to use this to monitor the progress of safe and timely discharges of patients. All organisations must deliver care closer to home. The focus should be on doing the right things to support people, to ensure they receive the care they need at home.
- Improving access to general practice, dentistry, optometry and pharmacy This will include independent prescribing and increasing self-referral to a wider range of community-based allied health professionals, including rehabilitation, mental health and audiology.
- Urgent and emergency care must focus on the effective management of people with urgent care needs in the community 24/7, and help more people to safely access alternatives to hospital-based care, for example through robust, seven-day same-day emergency care services and integrated health and social care community response models. Health boards must work with partners to significantly reduce the time patients spend waiting in ambulances outside emergency departments.
- Planned care and recovery is being led by the National Recovery Programme, which will set specific requirements for health boards. Meeting these requirements must be a priority. Regional diagnostic centres and treatment centres should be at the forefront of organisations’ plans. This must include actions to move services, workforce and funding from hospitals into the community so people need to go to hospital when it is right for them. Organisations must demonstrate how they will deliver a significant increase in the numbers of patients who undertake pre-habilitation. Diagnostics services improvements must result in a reduction in numbers of people waiting for diagnostic tests to pre-pandemic levels as a minimum, including for mental health diagnosis.
- Cancer services must enact the quality statement on cancer and ensure there is a reduction in the backlog of patients waiting too long on the cancer pathway. Achieving the required standards must be a priority for health boards.
- Mental health and child and adolescent mental health services there must be improvements across all age services and equity and parity between physical and mental health services. Health boards must plan to expand tier 0/1 support to provide easy access to population level support for lower-level mental health issues, improve services across CAMHS, adults and older adult services and implement 111 press 2 for urgent mental health support. Reconfiguring eating disorder services to target earlier intervention and ensure a maximum of a four-week wait for routine access to eating disorder services is required. Improving memory assessment services to obtain a timely diagnosis and treatment should also be included. Improved access to full range of all age mental health and wellbeing services, particularly for children and young people, boosting prevention support for adults and children and de-medicalise the approach to mental health services where appropriate.
Core Supporting Functions

Digital, innovation, technology and transformation must underpin the delivery of optimum care and services for patients, alongside workforce, wellbeing and robust financial management.

It is important the NHS focuses on ways to deploy the existing and future workforce to best effect. This includes enhanced use of multidisciplinary teamworking, role redesign, developing new roles, and advanced practice models, enabling people to develop their careers and work at the top of their license.

The economic and financial outlook is extremely challenging. The value of the overall Welsh Government budget has fallen in real terms by £3bn over the current spending review period. A renewed focus on cost reduction and value improvement in the NHS is therefore critical to ensure the ongoing sustainability of services.

Robust financial planning, fully integrated with service and workforce planning, is essential, as is tight financial governance and financial management. Capital plans must be prioritised and aligned to decarbonisation targets.

The role of NHS organisations as anchor institutions provides a driver to implement care and services in a way that supports individuals and communities as part of normal business. This will include the approach to the foundational economy and how the NHS can respond to the cost-of-living crisis for both patients and staff.

The net zero target for the public sector in 2030, decarbonisation action plans and social value, as part of contributing to achieving the aims of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, remain as commitments and opportunities to build in actions and benefits as part of service planning and should be taken.

All NHS organisations must submit board-approved plans providing firm commitments about how these priorities will be delivered by 31 March 2023.

This is a challenging period in which to plan and deliver health services but I am confident the NHS will continue build on the progress and learning from the pandemic and the ongoing pressures to deliver the sustainable services we all want.
09/02/2023
PRESS RELEASE : “We will ensure every pound invested makes the greatest positive impact” – Finance Minister Rebecca Evans [February 2023]

The press release issued by the Welsh Government on 7 February 2023.

Wales’ Draft Budget will be debated today in the Senedd, as high inflation continues to stretch the finances of households, businesses and our public services across the country.

Speaking ahead of today’s debate, Finance Minister Rebecca Evans said:

Our Draft Budget protects public services, businesses, and our most vulnerable citizens in the face of a perfect storm of ongoing financial pressures.

Our approach is designed to maximise the impact of all our available resources, despite the hard times we find ourselves in. This means balancing the short-term needs associated with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis with the continued need to make longer-term change and create a stronger, fairer, greener Wales.

The Welsh Government’s Budget is worth up to £3 billion less over the 3-year spending review period than when it was originally announced, with the 2023-24 Draft Budget worth up to £1 billion less. Wales also faces a £1.1 billion shortfall in funding as a result of the UK government’s post-EU funding arrangements.

The minister continued:

We have taken some very tough decisions, but our approach will ensure every pound invested makes the greatest positive impact.

We have re-focused our funding towards our 3 main priorities for 2023-24: protecting frontline public services and our ambitions for the future, continuing to provide help to those most affected by the cost-of-living crisis and supporting our economy through near-recession times.

Last Friday the Welsh Government made an improved pay offer to trade unions, which led to the suspension of strike action across most of the NHS.

The minister added:

I recognise the ongoing challenges around public sector pay and we continue to work closely with unions to find a resolution to pay disputes. We fully understand the strength of feeling from the workforce.

We will continue to do what we can with the resources we have, despite the UK government constantly refusing to give hard-working public sector workers a pay rise. The Spring Budget in March will be another opportunity for the Chancellor to rectify this, and we are re-iterating our calls for him to take action to protect public services.

The Welsh Government’s Draft Budget allocates a further £165 million for NHS Wales to help protect frontline services as well as £18.8 million for the Discretionary Assistance Fund, providing lifeline emergency cash payments to people facing financial hardship.

An additional £227 million is also being provided to local government to help safeguard the services delivered by councils, such as schools and social care. This funding also helps provide a £460 million 2-year business support package, which provides 75% rates relief and ensures there will be no inflationary impact in the amount of rates businesses are paying.

09/02/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Wales sets out ambitious plan “with hope at its heart” to reach goal of becoming the most LGBTQ+ friendly nation in Europe [February 2023]

The press release issued by the Welsh Government on 7 February 2023.

“We want to improve equality and inclusion for all LGBTQ+ people, so as a community we feel safe to be ourselves free from fear, discrimination and hate.”

Those were the words of the Deputy Minister for Social Partnership, Hannah Blythyn, who, alongside the Leader of Plaid Cymru, Adam Price, today (Tuesday, February 7) set out exactly how the Welsh Government will make a real difference to the lives, prospects, and outcomes for all LGBTQ+ people.

Launching the LGBTQ+ Action Plan, which underlines Wales’ intention to advance LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion, the Deputy Minister said it was the first-time existing commitments had been brought together to set bold but realistic goals towards a society where “inclusion and celebration of LGBTQ+ people is rooted at its centre”.

The Deputy Minister said:

We have come a long way in the past few decades, but we cannot be complacent. Progress can and never should be taken for granted. LGBTQ+ communities remain under attack, with our hard-fought-for rights at risk of being rolled back around the world, including here in the UK.

I’m proud that here in Wales LGBTQ+ rights are embedded in the Welsh Government’s Programme for Government commitments and the LGBTQ+ Action Plan is a commitment in the Co-operation Agreement with Plaid Cymru.

The plan is ambitious but with hope at its heart. We are absolutely committed to meaningful change for LGBTQ+ communities, creating a society and country where LGBTQ+ people are safe to live and love authentically, openly and freely as ourselves.

The Action Plan includes a wide range of policy-specific actions from improving safety, education, housing, health and social care, to promoting community cohesion and more.

In particular, it shows a clear commitment to defending and promoting the rights and dignity of trans and non-binary people.

Leader of Plaid Cymru Adam Price MS said:

This plan shows how we are working together to make a more just, fairer, tolerant Wales. Politics is about making a difference and improving the lives of the people you serve.

This means delivering change for everyone in society and we are proud to be working with the Welsh Government on our shared ambition for Wales to be the most LGBTQ+ friendly nation in Europe. This plan shows our concrete commitment to delivering that.

The fact that this plan has been jointly developed by parties whose Members make up two thirds of our national parliament provides a strong basis on which to bring the Plan’s commitments to life as practical actions on the ground in our communities.

Tackling all forms of injustice is essential and together we can create a fairer society, promoting the rights of everyone in the LGBTQ+ community.

To mark the publication of the Plan, the two politicians – who are open members of the LGBTQ+ community themselves – visited the Pride and Protest exhibition at St Fagans National Museum of History, which includes protest banners and LGBTQ+ campaign badges from Amgueddfa Cymru’s collection of objects from Pride events across Wales.

The Deputy Minister added:

Welsh LGBTQ+ culture and heritage in Wales has contributed to our legacy and experiences as a nation – for too long our history has been hidden and these stories need to be told.

The showcasing of LGBTQ+ stories in history and heritage is getting better. This exhibition is an excellent example, and the plan aims to build on this.

Putting the actions into practice, across culture, education, health and more, will play a significant part in achieving our ambition of being the most LGBTQ+ friendly nation in Europe.

The Welsh Government has worked with a wide range of LGBTQ+ communities and organisations to help develop the LGBTQ+ Action Plan, and it will act as the basis for developing future policy along with partners.

Lisa Power is a lifelong LGBTQ+ activist who co-founded Stonewall and contributed to the development of the LGBTQ+ Action Plan. Lisa said:

In my view, Wales is a shining beacon in this area.

When many people look at LGBTQ+ issues, they only see the LGBTQ-ness of the people and they don’t recognise that we are citizens alongside everyone else.

This Action Plan is clear on what it is going to do and how. It recognises that being LGBTQ+ is part of a more complex and often intersectional identity and that all kinds of matters affect us across our life.

Through the work I do internationally, I increasingly get comments from people who recognise Wales as a country trying to protect all of its citizens – and that absolutely includes LGBTQ+ citizens.

Davinia Green, Director of Stonewall Cymru said:

I welcome the LGBTQ+ Action Plan for Wales. It is a clear and positive commitment, particularly important when hard-won LGBTQ+ rights are being challenged. This is an important part of the journey to creating LGBTQ+ inclusive society here in Wales, but not the end conclusion. We should not become complacent.

If Wales is to become the leading nation in Europe on LGBTQ+ rights, tackling increasing hate crime, supporting inclusive RSE curriculum and removing healthcare barriers will be particularly important.

Ambassador for organisations including Pride Cymru and LGBT+ Sport Cymru, sports reporter and presenter, Beth Fisher said:

Growing up as a gay woman in Wales wasn’t always easy, and it was not always easy to be visible. This is why I am so grateful that the Welsh Government have put this LGBTQ+ Action Plan forward – to make Wales an easier place to live in for those who are within that community, to be their authentic selves.

I hope that the Action Plan will ensure future generations are safer and able to express themselves how they wish.

09/02/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Welsh Government statement on planned industrial action [February 2023]

The press release issued by the Welsh Government on 3 February 2023.

Welsh Government announce an enhanced pay offer has been made to health trade unions.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said:

Following continued discussions over the last week, we are pleased to announce that an enhanced pay offer has been made to our health trade unions. On this basis, we are hopeful that the planned industrial action over Monday 6th and Tuesday 7th February will be postponed, allowing trade unions to discuss the proposals further with their members. Individual trade unions will confirm their intentions regarding next week’s action, prior to further talks with their members.

This revised pay offer comprises an additional 3%, of which 1.5% is consolidated so will be in pay packets year-on-year, on top of the Pay Review Body recommendations, which have already been implemented in full. This offer will be backdated to April 2022. Included in this revised package are a number of non-pay commitments to enhance staff well-being, on which negotiations will continue next week.

Whilst there is currently no improved pay offer on the table for NHS staff in England, it was also agreed that any resulting Barnett consequential following any improved offer to staff in England would result in a further pay offer to staff in Wales.

We would like to thank those that have participated in the negotiations for their positive engagement and goodwill. We are awaiting a formal response from each of the individual trade unions.

09/02/2023
Eluned Morgan – 2023 Statement on NHS Pay Update in Wales

The statement made by Eluned Morgan, the Welsh Minister for Health and Social Services, on 3 February 2023.

Following continued discussions over the last week, we are pleased to announce that an enhanced pay offer has been made to our health trade unions. On this basis, we are hopeful that the planned industrial action over Monday 6th and Tuesday 7th February will be postponed, allowing trade unions to discuss the proposals further with their members. Individual trade unions will confirm their intentions regarding next week’s action, prior to further talks with their members.

This revised pay offer comprises an additional 3%, of which 1.5% is consolidated so will be in pay packets year-on-year, on top of the Pay Review Body recommendations, which have already been implemented in full. This offer will be backdated to April 2022. Included in this revised package are a number of non-pay commitments to enhance staff well-being, on which negotiations will continue next week.

Whilst there is currently no improved pay offer on the table for NHS staff in England, it was also agreed that any resulting Barnett consequential following any improved offer to staff in England would result in a further pay offer to staff in Wales.

We would like to thank those that have participated in the negotiations for their positive engagement and goodwill. We are awaiting a formal response from each of the individual trade unions.

09/02/2023